In 1667 in France, Louis XIV is a young king who wants to impose his power whereas he is traumatized by the Fronde (the revolt of nobility during Louis XIII's reign) and despite the attacks of conspirators. Then, Louis XIV decides to establish the seat of the power out of Paris, in Versailles. At that time, Versailles is just a hunting lodge but Louis XIV radically wants to transform this castle.

David Wiegand

The first four episodes of the series are rather talky, although heaven knows there are moments of eye-opening action of the carnal variety. ... But the talk, at least, is revealing and sophisticated, not to mention often filled with intrigue.

Rob Lowman

Versailles has glamor and spectacle, but it’s hardly an epic drama. It dreamily drifts along for the first few episodes, introducing the characters and concentrating on outrageous behavior. All the military-strategy sessions blur together.

Sonia Saraiya

It is frequently lovely to behold. The real Versailles is of course gorgeous, and the series renders the palace through expensive sets and substantial on-location filming. But like the plot, the prettiness is a little superficial; this is more the CW’s “Reign” than Starz’s “Outlander.”

Ray Rahman

Allison Keene

The sprawling story is definitely more concerned with soapy plots than the realities of court and the battle for power between the Protestant and Roman Catholic Church, a la Wolf Hall, but like Versailles itself the results are charmingly ostentatious.